Maltese breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Maltese
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Maltese breed
The Maltese is a small and adorable breed known for its long, silky white coat.
Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, they have a rich history dating back thousands of years. Maltese dogs were favoured by royalty and nobility as companion dogs and were even depicted in ancient Egyptian and Roman artwork.
Despite their small size, Maltese dogs have a confident and fearless nature, often unaware of their small stature when facing larger dogs.
Weight, height and life expectancy
With a maximum height of around 25cm and an average weight of 3-4kg, the Maltese is a petite breed.
They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Maltese like?
Maltese dogs are known for their charming and affectionate nature. They thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with their owners. They love being the centre of attention and enjoy cuddling and lap time.
Maltese dogs are generally friendly towards people and other animals when properly socialised from a young age. They have a playful and lively personality, but they can also be gentle and adaptable.
Due to their small size, they are well-suited for apartment living and are popular choices for families, seniors, and individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion.
Our Maltese Community
“He really is a lovely little soul and great company. He has brought much joy into our household. Herbie doesn’t need really long walks, he is just as happy chilling with you at home or accompanying you to lunch or a coffee shop. Herbie is happiest when he is with you, wherever that may be!”
Herbie’s owner, Nicola from Surrey
“He’ll bring you a toy if he wants to play or entertains himself if you’re busy. Staring at himself in the mirror is a hobby, as well as lying on his back waiting for a belly rub. Most of all he loves a good cuddle whilst watching TV & his favourite show is Bluey.”
Romeo’s owner, Nishtha from Leicestershire
How much exercise does a Maltese need?
Maltese dogs have relatively low exercise needs compared to larger, more active breeds. They require around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. This can be divided into multiple short walks or play sessions throughout the day.
Puppies have different exercise requirements. As young puppies, they have developing bones and joints, so their exercise should be limited to short and gentle play sessions. Gradually increase their exercise as they grow older, always considering their age, size, and overall health.
It's important to note that Maltese dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, particularly heat. Avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day and provide them with shade and fresh water when outdoors.
Need an extra hand exercising your Maltese? Find a local borrower today.
Do Maltese need a lot of grooming?
Maltese dogs have a beautiful and luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
Their long, silky hair is prone to tangling and matting, so daily brushing is recommended to prevent knots and to maintain their coat's softness and shine.
Regular bathing, approximately every 2-3 weeks or as advised by your vet or groomer, will help keep their coat clean and free of dirt and odours. Use a gentle dog shampoo and be careful around their face to avoid getting water in their eyes and ears.
Maltese dogs often have tear stains around their eyes, which can be managed with regular cleaning using a damp cloth or specialised tear stain remover products.
Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks can help maintain the Maltese's signature look and ensure their coat is kept in good condition.
Trimming around the eyes, ears, and paws can also be done during grooming sessions.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Maltese easy to train?
Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them generally responsive and trainable. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands and can excel in obedience training with positive reinforcement methods. However, they can also have a stubborn streak, so patience and consistency are key.
Start training your Maltese puppy from an early age to establish good behaviour and basic commands. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to keep their attention and prevent boredom. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and rewards to motivate and encourage them.
Socialisation is also important for Maltese dogs to ensure they are comfortable and well-behaved in various social settings. Introduce them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop confidence and good manners.
With consistent training and plenty of love and attention, Maltese dogs can become well-behaved and obedient companions.
Want to experience spending time with a Maltese to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Maltese near you.
What do Maltese eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of your Maltese. Choose a high-quality small dog food that is appropriate for their age and specific dietary needs.
The amount of food and feeding frequency will depend on factors such as metabolism, weight, and activity level. Most do well being fed twice daily.
Maltese puppies should be fed a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until 6 months old when this should be reduced to twice daily.
Follow the guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your Maltese's age and individual needs.
If you have any queries about your Maltese's dietary needs or specific health conditions, consult with your veterinarian for personalised advice.
Are Maltese healthy?
Maltese dogs are generally healthy and long-lived, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns that can occur in Maltese dogs include:
Bones and joints
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be.
Dental
Periodontal Disease - a buildup of plaque and tartar on a dog’s teeth leading to inflammation, infection and tooth loss.
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye.
Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye.
Liver
Porto-systemic shunt (PSS) - when the blood circulation bypasses the normal cleaning processes of the liver resulting in signs like stunted growth and abnormal behaviours.
Neurological
Syringomyelia - where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord, which can cause pain and neurological signs.
This list of health concerns is not exhaustive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your Maltese or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Maltese dogs are prone to obesity so be cautious with overfeeding and providing too many treats.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
